Content Cartridge

ABSTRACT

A content cartridge is disclosed having a base with a content chamber and a piercing chamber. A cover is sealed to the base, covering the content chamber and the piercing chamber. A first frangible seal is provided between the cover and the base extending from the content chamber. When the piercing chamber is pressurized with a pressurizing fluid, the pressure in the piercing chamber will increase forming a fluid path between the piercing chamber and the content chamber. In this manner, the pressurized fluid can flow from the piercing chamber into the content chamber. When the predetermined pressure is exceeded in the content chamber, the first frangible seal opens forming a fluid outlet path from content chamber.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present invention is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. application Ser.No. 13/971,956 entitled CONTENT CARTDRIDGE, filed on Aug. 21, 2013,which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/816,396entitled CONTENT CARTRIDGE, filing on Apr. 26, 2013; and the presentapplication also claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No.62/115,795 entitled CONTENT CARTRIDGE, filed on Feb. 13, 2015, thecontents of which are herein incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to the field of content cartridges, and moreparticularly to a content cartridge having a sterile portion to preventcross contamination in a content dispensing machine.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Content cartridges for use in beverage forming machines are known, andmay include a beverage content, such as ground coffee beans, tea leaves,etc. In use, a beverage forming machine introduces a fluid into thecartridge to interact with the beverage content. A piercing needle ofthe machine can be used to pierce a surface of the cartridge permittingliquid to enter the cartridge and mix with the beverage content. Asecond piercing needle can also be used to pierce a surface of thecartridge forming an outlet, permitting the mixed liquid/content to exitthe cartridge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a content cartridge having a basedefining a content chamber, where a cover sealed to the base covers thecontent chamber. A first frangible seal is provided between the coverand the base extending from the content chamber. The first frangibleseal is configured to open when a predetermined pressure is exceeded inthe content chamber, such that a fluid outlet path is formed from thecontent chamber.

The content cartridge can further include a separate sterile chamberpositioned adjacent to the content chamber, wherein the cover covers thesterile chamber. A second frangible seal is provided between the coverand the base extending between the sterile chamber and the contentchamber. The second frangible seal is configured to open when apredetermined pressure is exceeded in the sterile chamber forming afluid path between the sterile chamber and the content chamber.

In an exemplary use, when the sterile chamber is pressured with apressurizing fluid, the pressure in the sterile chamber will increase.When a predetermined pressure is exceeded in the sterile chamber, thesecond frangible seal opens forming a fluid path between the sterilechamber and the content chamber. In this manner, the pressurized fluidcan flow from the sterile chamber into the content chamber.

The pressurized fluid enters the content chamber, mixing with thecontents of the content chamber, as well as increasing the pressure inthe content chamber. When a predetermined pressure is exceeded in thecontent chamber, the first frangible seal opens forming a fluid outletpath from content chamber. In this manner, the content/pressurized fluidmixture can flow out from the content cartridge.

The content cartridge can be utilized in a content dispensing apparatus.The content dispensing apparatus includes at least a housing having afirst portion defining a cartridge holder and a second portion moveablebetween an open position and a closed position. In the open positionaccess is provided to the cartridge holder, allowing for a contentcartridge to be inserted or removed from the cartridge holder.

In the closed position, the second portion covers the cartridge holder,and includes a fluid inlet extending through second portion and having apenetrating end. The penetrating end of the fluid inlet pierces thecover over the sterile chamber, providing a fluid path into the sterilechamber. A fluid pump is provided in fluid communication with the fluidinlet, allowing for the pumping of pressurized fluid into the sterilechamber.

The content in the content cartridge can be a liquid or powder beverageconcentrate, a liquid or powder food concentrate, a pharmaceutical,chemical, or other liquid, gaseous, or powered content.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete understanding of the present invention, and theattendant advantages and features thereof, will be more readilyunderstood by reference to the following detailed description whenconsidered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a content cartridge of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 depicts a content cartridge of the present disclosure without animpermeable, pierceable, cover;

FIG. 3 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 depicts a side view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 depicts a back view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 depicts a front view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 depicts a side sectional view of the content cartridge of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of the cartridge installed in a portion of acontent dispensing machine which pierces a portion of the impermeable,pierceable, cover of the content cartridge;

FIG. 9 depicts another embodiment of a content cartridge of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 10 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 depicts an isometric view of a fitment for use on the contentcartridge of FIG. 9;

FIG. 12 depicts a front view of the fitment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 depicts a side sectional view of the fitment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 depicts a second side sectional view of the fitment of FIG. 11;

FIG. 15 depicts a side view of another embodiment of a content cartridgeof the present disclosure;

FIG. 16 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 15 withoutan impermeable, pierceable, cover;

FIG. 17 depicts a side view of another embodiment of a content cartridgeof the present disclosure;

FIG. 18 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 17 withoutan impermeable, pierceable, cover:

FIG. 19 depicts a top isometric view of another embodiment of a contentcartridge of the present disclosure;

FIG. 20 depicts a side view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19;

FIG. 21 depicts a front view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19;

FIG. 22 depicts a top view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19;

FIG. 23 depicts a rear-bottom isometric view of the content cartridge ofFIG. 19;

FIG. 24 depicts a rear view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19; and

FIG. 25 depicts a side view of the content cartridge of FIG. 19.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawing figures in which like reference designatorsrefer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1-6 an exemplary contentcartridge 10 of the present disclosure. The content cartridge 10includes an impermeable base 12 having a predetermined shape, includinga content chamber 14 and a sterile chamber 16. Each of the contentchamber 14 and sterile chamber 16 have openings 18 and 20 surround by arim, lip, or flange 24 extending radially outwardly. A first end 25 ofthe flange 24 includes a pouring lip 26. The flange 24 further includesan intermediate portion 28, separating the content chamber 14 from thesterile chamber 16.

The base 12 can be made of a combination of polystyrene, ethylene vinylalcohol and polyethylene.

An impermeable, pierceable, cover 30 is positioned over the openings 18and 20 of the content chamber 14 and a sterile chamber 16, sealinglyengaging the flange 24 about the content chamber 14 and the sterilechamber 16, forming a content cartridge 10 having completely separatedimpermeable content chamber 14 and a sterile chamber 16. The cover 30can also be extended radially about the flange 24, engaging the pouringlip 26 and intermediate portions 28 of the flange 24.

The cover 30 can be sealed to the flange 24 using known sealingtechniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heatingsealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 30 to the flange 24can include a frangible seal 32 extending from the content chamber 14along the pouring lip 26, and a frangible seal 34, on the intermediateportion 28, extending between the content chamber 14 and sterile chamber16.

Referring also to FIG. 8, frangible seal 34 is configured to open,separating the cover 30 from the flange 24 along the intermediate space28, upon a pressurization of the sterile chamber 1, and when thepressure in the sterile chamber 16 exceeds a predetermined level. Inthis manner, a fluid path 36 is created between the sterile chamber 16and the content chamber 14.

Frangible seal 32 is configured to open, separating the cover 30 fromthe flange 24 along the pouring lip 26, upon a pressurization of thecontent chamber 14 and when the pressure in the content chamber 14exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path 38 iscreated from the content chamber 14 along the pouring lip 26.

Referring to FIG. 7, the content chamber can include a content 40 to bedispensed from the content cartridge 10. The content 40 can be a liquidor powder beverage concentrate, a liquid or powder food concentrate, apharmaceutical, chemical, or other liquid, gaseous, or powered content.

Referring again to FIG. 8, the content cartridge 10 is well adapted foruse in a content dispensing machine where it will be positioned in acontent hold 42. The content holder 42 can include a first part 44 forsupporting the base 12 of the content cartridge 10 and a second part 46to engage the cover 30 of the content cartridge 10. The second part 46includes a penetrator or needle 50 which penetrates a portion 52 of thecover 30 over the sterile chamber 16 to provide pressurized fluid 54through the needle 50 in the sterile chamber 16.

The pressurized fluid 54 pressurizes the sterile chamber 16. When thepressure in the sterile chamber 16 exceeds a predetermined level thefrangible seal 34 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24along the intermediate space 28. In this manner, a fluid path 36 iscreated between the sterile chamber 16 and the content chamber 14,allowing the pressurized fluid 54 to enter the content chamber 14.

The pressurized fluid 54 then pressurizes the content chamber 14. Whenthe pressure in the content chamber 14 exceeds a predetermined levelfrangible seal 32 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24along the pouring lip 26. In this manner, a fluid output path 38 iscreated from the content chamber 14 along the pouring lip 26, allowingfor the dispensing of the content 40 from the content chamber 14 throughthe fluid output path 38.

In an exemplary use, the content 40 is a beverage concentrate. Thecontent cartridge 10 positioned the content holder 42, with the firstpart 44 supporting the base 12 of the content cartridge 10 and thesecond part 46 engaging cover 30 of the content cartridge 10. The needle50 of the second part 46 penetrates the portion 52 of the cover 30 overthe sterile chamber 16 to provide pressurized fluid 54, such as water,through the needle 50 in the sterile chamber 16.

The pressurized fluid 54 pressurizes the sterile chamber 16. When thepressure in the sterile chamber 16 exceeds a predetermined level,frangible seal 34 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24along the intermediate space 28. In this manner, a fluid path 36 iscreated between the sterile chamber 16 and the content chamber 14,allowing the pressurized fluid 54 to enter the content chamber 14,mixing with the beverage concentrate 40.

The pressurized fluid 54 then pressurizes the content chamber 14. Whenthe pressure in the content chamber 14 exceeds a predetermined level,frangible seal 32 opens, separating the cover 30 from the flange 24along the pouring lip 26. In this manner, a fluid output path 38 iscreated from the content chamber 14 along the pouring lip 26, allowingthe fluid 54 beverage concentrate mixture 40 to be dispensed from thecontent chamber 14 through the fluid output path 38 into a cup or othercontainer.

In another embodiment, the content cartridge 10 can include a fitmentattached to the impermeable, pierceable, cover 30. The fitment includesa mechanism for piercing the cover 30, thus negating the need for thecontent dispensing apparatus to pierce that cove 30. Alternatively, thefitment can include a valve assembly, which when opened provides a fluidpath into the content cartridge 10. In this manner, no element of thecontent dispensing apparatus comes into contact with the contents of thecontent cartridge 10, thus substantially preventing cross contaminationby the content dispensing apparatus.

Referring to FIGS. 9-10, the fitment 60 is attached to the cover 30,positioned over the sterile chamber 16 of the content cartridge. Thefitment 60 can be attached to the cover 30 with a mechanical or chemicalmeans, or be integrated into the cover 30.

Referring to FIGS. 11-13, the fitment 60 includes a body portion 62having upper and lower surfaces 64, 66. A center 68 of the body potion62 includes a moveable depressive member 70. The depressive member 70has an upper engagement surface 72 surrounding a longitudinal fluidinlet 74. A distal end 76 of the fluid inlet 74 includes a piercingmember 78. A gasket 80 is positioned about the fluid inlet 74, adjacentto an underside surface 82 of the depressive member 70.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, in use the fitment 60 is attached to cover30, where the lower surface 64 of the fitment 60 is attached to thecover 30 with an adhesive or mechanical means. To dispense the contents,the content cartridge 10 is positioned in the content holder 42 of thedispensing apparatus, with the first part 44 supporting the base 12 ofthe content cartridge 10 and the second part 46 engaging cover 30 of thecontent cartridge 10. A fluid dispensing portion 84 of the contentdispensing apparatus is moved into contacted with the upper engagementsurface 72 of the depressive member 70, such that a fluid path iscreated between the fluid dispensing portion 84 and the fluid inlet 74.A gasket 86, positioned about the fluid dispensing portion 84 forms afluid tight seal between the fluid dispensing portion 84 and the upperengagement surface 72 of the depressive member 70.

To penetrate the cover 30, the fluid dispensing portion 84 imparts adepressive force onto the upper engagement surface 72 of the depressivemember 70, forcing the depressive member 70 into, through, the bodyportion 62 of the fitment 60. The piercing member 78 at the distal end76 of the fluid inlet 74 pierces the cover 30, creating a fluid pathinto the sterile chamber 16. The depressive member 70 is pushed untilthe gasket 80 on the underside surface 82 of the depressive member 70,about the about fluid inlet 74, is depressed against the cover 30forming a fluid tight seal between the cover 30 and the fluid inlet 74.Once completed, the pressurized fluid 54 can be introduced into thesterile chamber 16.

Referring to FIGS. 15-16, another exemplary content cartridge 90 of thepresent disclosure is provided. The content cartridge 90 includes animpermeable base 92 having a predetermined shape, including a contentchamber 94 and a secondary chamber 96, where a channel 98 fluidlyconnects the contend chamber 94 to the secondary chamber 96. Each of thecontent chamber 94 and second chamber 96 have openings 100 and 102surround by a rim, lip, or flange 104 extending radially outwardly. Afirst end 106 of the flange 104 includes a pouring lip 108.

An impermeable, pierceable, cover 110 is positioned over the contentchamber 94, secondary chamber 96, and the channel 98, sealingly engagingthe flange 104 about the content chamber 94, secondary chamber 96, andthe channel 98. The cover 110 can also be extended radially about theflange 104, engaging the pouring lip 108.

The cover 110 can be sealed to the flange 104 using known sealingtechniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heatingsealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 110 to the flange104 can include a frangible seal 112 extending from the content chamber94 along the pouring lip 108.

The frangible seal 112 is configured to open, separating the cover 110from the flange 104 along the pouring lip 108 upon a pressurization ofthe content chamber 94, when the pressure in the content chamber 94exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path iscreated from the content chamber 94 along the pouring lip 108.

The fitment 60 is attached to the cover 110, positioned over thesecondary chamber 96 of the content cartridge 92. The fitment 60 can beattached to the cover 110 with a mechanical or chemical means, or beintegrated into the cover 110. The fitment 60 operates as describedabove.

Referring to FIGS. 17-18, another exemplary content cartridge 120 of thepresent disclosure is provided. The content cartridge 120 includes animpermeable base 122 having a predetermined shape, including a contentchamber 124 having openings 126 surround by a rim, lip, or flange 128extending radially outwardly. A first end 130 of the flange 128 includesa pouring lip 132.

An impermeable, pierceable, cover 134 is positioned over the contentchamber 124, sealingly engaging the flange 128 about the content chamber124. The cover 134 can also be extended radially about the flange 128,engaging the pouring lip 132.

The cover 134 can be sealed to the flange 128 using known sealingtechniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heatingsealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 134 to the flange128 can include a frangible seal 136 extending from the content chamber124 along the pouring lip 132.

The frangible seal 136 is configured to open, separating the cover 134from the flange 128 along the pouring lip 132 upon a pressurization ofthe content chamber 124, when the pressure in the content chamber 124exceeds a predetermined level. In this manner, a fluid output path iscreated from the content chamber 124 along the pouring lip 132.

The fitment 60 is attached to the cover 134, positioned over the contentchamber 124 of the content cartridge 120. The fitment 60 can be attachedto the cover 134 with a mechanical or chemical means, or be integratedinto the cover 134. The fitment 60 operates as described above.

Referring to FIG. 19, another content cartridge 200 of the presentdisclosure is provided. The content cartridge 200 includes animpermeable base 202 having a predetermined shape, including a first,content, chamber 204 and a second, piercing, chamber 206. Each of thecontent chamber 204 and piercing chamber 206 have openings 210 and 212surround by a rim, lip, or flange 214 extending radially outwardly. Afirst end 216 of the flange 214 can include a pouring lip 218. Theflange 214 can further include an intermediate portion 220, separatingthe content chamber 204 from the piercing chamber 206.

Similar to FIG. 1, an impermeable, pierceable, cover 30 (not shown) ispositioned over the openings 210 and 212 of the content chamber 204 andthe piercing chamber 206. The cover 30 can sealingly engage the flange214 about the first chamber 204 and the second chamber 206, forming acontent cartridge 200 having sealed, impermeable, content chamber 204and piercing chamber 206. The cover 30 can also be extended radiallyabout the flange 214, engaging the pouring lip 218.

The cover 30 can be sealed to the flange 214 using known sealingtechniques, including, but not limited to, adhesives, embossing, heatingsealing, and sonic welding. The sealing of the cover 30 to the flange214 can include a frangible seal 32 extending from the first chamber 204along the pouring lip 218. The portion of the cover 30 extending overthe intermediate portion 220 can be biased against the intermediateportion 220, forming a pseudo seal between the first and second chambers204 and 206.

Referring to FIGS. 20-22, the base 202 can include a front portion 222,a rear portion 224, a pair of opposing side walls 226, 228, and a bottomwall 230. The front portion 222 can include an angled wall 232,extending from the bottom wall 230. An intermediate wall 234 can bepositioned between the angled wall 232 and the flange 214. The angledwall 232 can be provided at an angle α between 20 and 60 degrees fromthe bottom wall 230, to promote the flow of fluid out from the contentchamber 204 to the pouring lip 218, substantially prevent pooling offluid within the content chamber 204.

The intermediate wall 234 can include a recessed channel 236 extendingfrom the angled wall 232 to the flange 214. The recessed channel 236 ispositioned to provide a fluid path along the front portion 222, tocollect and direct any pooled liquid to the pouring lip 218 of theflange 214, improving the evacuation efficiency of the container 200.

The flange 214 can further include a pair of opposing recesses 240, 242positioned on opposite sides of the recessed channel 236. The pair ofopposing recesses 240, 242 are positioned to prevent pooling of fluidbetween the cover 30 and the pouring lip 218 of the flange 214,improving the evacuation efficiency of the container 200.

The pouring lip 218 of the flange 214 can include a recessed portion 244for directing the fluid along the pouring lip 218. The recessed portion244 can have a narrowing configuration, having a wider end opposite 246and a narrowed outlet 248. This configuration can improve the flowdirection and fluid stream quality.

Referring to FIG. 24, the rear portion 224 of the base 202 can includean arcuate wall 250. The arcuate wall 250 can traverse the entire rearportion 224, extending between the bottom wall 230 and the flange 214.The arcuate wall 250 can be shaped to at least partially surround thepiercing chamber 206. The shape of the arcuate wall 250 is selected toprevent the pooling of liquid against the rear portion 224 of thecontent chamber 204.

In operation, similar to content cartridge 10 as shown in FIG. 8, thecontent cartridge 200 is positionable in a content dispensing machine ina vertical orientation in the content holder 42. The content holder 42can include a first part 44 for supporting the base 2002 of the contentcartridge 200 and a second part 46 to engage the cover 30 of the contentcartridge 200. The second part 46 includes a piercing element, such aspenetrator or needle, 50 which penetrates a portion 52 of the cover 30over the piercing chamber 206 to provide pressurized fluid 54 throughthe needle 50 in the piercing chamber 206.

The pressurized fluid 54 pressurizes the piercing chamber 206, where thepressurized fluid travels from the piercing chamber 206 into the contentchamber 204, mixing with the content therein. The vertical orientationof the content cartridge 200, for the water and content to flow to thefront portion 222 of the content cartridge 200. The angled wall 232directs the mixed fluid to the flange 214 cover 30 interface at thepouring lip 218. When the pressure in the content chamber 204 exceeds apredetermined level, the frangible seal 32 opens, separating the cover30 from the flange 214 along the pouring lip 218. In this manner, afluid output path 38 is created from the content chamber 204 along thepouring lip 218 allowing for the dispensing of the content 40 from thecontent chamber 204.

In dispensing the mixed fluid, the angled wall 232 directs the mixedfluid to intermediate wall 234, where at least a portion of the mixedfluid flow through the recessed channel 236 to the pouring lip 218. Therecessed channel 236 is positioned to collect and direct any remainingmixed fluids to the pouring lip 218 of the flange 214. The pair ofopposing recesses 240, 242 positioned on opposite sides of the recessedchannel 236 provide additional assistance to direct any remaining fluidto the pouring lip 218, where the curved surfaces of the recesses 240,242 provide an easier path for fluid to end the content chamber 204. Therecessed portion 244 of the pouring lip 218 direct the mixed fluid outof content container 200 in a substantially uniform stream.

Referring to FIGS. 25 and 26, the content container 200 can furtherinclude a pair outlet channel 260 extending through the intermediateportion 220 of the flange, 214. The outlet channel 260 are positioned onopposite sides of the piercing chamber 206, providing a fluid path fromthe piercing chamber 206 into the content chamber 204 through theintermediate portion 220.

The outlet channels 260 can be positioned to direct fluid toward theinner surfaces 264 of the sided walls 226, 228 of the content chamber,creating an arcuate fluid flow about the opposite sidewall 226, 228. Thearcuate fluid flow can increase the rate of mixing of the water andcontent in the content chamber 204, providing a more uniformly mixedfluid for exiting the content chamber 204.

Referring again to FIG. 20, the piercing chamber 206 is shown as havinga substantially conical configuration. A depth “d” of the piercingchamber 206 is selected such that a piercing element 50 can piercing thecover 30, entering the piercing chamber 206 without piercing a bottomsurface 268 of the piercing chamber. While the piercing chamber 206 isshown as being a substantially conical configuration, otherconfiguration are contemplated, including, but not limited to,frusto-conical, hemi-spherical, hemi-elliptical, triangular basedpyramid, square based pyramid, cube, cuboid, cylindrical, and the like.It is further contemplated, that the piercing chamber can take any shapeand size which allows for an entry of a piercing element through thecover 30 without piercing of the bottom surface 268 of the piercingchamber 206.

All references cited herein are expressly incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited to what has been particularly shown anddescribed herein above. In addition, unless mention was made above tothe contrary, it should be noted that all of the accompanying drawingsare not to scale. A variety of modifications and variations are possiblein light of the above teachings without departing from the scope andspirit of the invention, which is limited only by the following claims.

What is claimed:
 1. A content cartridge comprising; a base including acontent chamber and a piercing chamber, the content chamber having acontent chamber opening and the piercing chamber having a piercingchamber opening; a flange surrounding the content chamber opening andthe piercing chamber opening; and a cover sealed to the flange, coveringthe content chamber opening and the piercing chamber opening.
 2. Thecontent cartridge as set forth in claim 1, wherein the flange includes apouring lip extending from the content chamber and an intermediate spaceextending between the piercing chamber and the content chamber.
 3. Thecontent cartridge as set forth in claim 2, further comprising an outletchannel extending through the intermediate space, creating a fluid pathbetween the content chamber and the piercing chamber.
 4. The contentcartridge as set forth in claim 3, further comprising a first frangibleseal between the cover and the flange along the pouring lip, wherein thefirst frangible seal opens when a first predetermined pressure isexceeded in the content chamber forming a fluid outlet from the contentchamber along the pouring lip.
 5. The content cartridge as set forth inclaim 2, the content chamber including a front portion having an angledwall proximal to the pouring lip of the flange.
 6. The content cartridgeas set forth in claim 5, the content chamber further including a rearportion, a bottom wall, and a pair of opposing side walls.
 7. Thecontent cartridge as set forth in claim 6, the content chamber furtherincluding an intermediate wall interposed between the angled wall andthe flange.
 8. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 7, whereinthe intermediate wall includes a recessed channel extend at leastpartially between the angled wall and the flange.
 9. The contentcartridge as set forth in claim 8, where in the flange includes a pairof recesses positioned on opposite sides of the channel.
 10. A contentcartridge comprising: a base including a content chamber and a piercingchamber, the content chamber having an content chamber opening and thepiercing chamber having a piercing chamber opening; a flange surroundingthe content chamber opening and the piercing chamber opening, the flangeincluding an intermediate space extending between the content chamberand the piercing chamber; an outlet channel extending through theintermediate space, creating a fluid path between the content chamberand the piercing chamber, and a cover sealed to at least a portion ofthe flange, covering the content chamber opening and the piercingchamber opening.
 11. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 10,wherein the flange includes a pouring lip extending from the contentchamber.
 12. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 11, wherein thecontent chamber includes a front portion having an angled wall proximalto the pouring lip of the flange.
 13. The content cartridge as set forthin claim 12, wherein the content chamber further includes anintermediate wall interposed between the angled wall and the flange. 14.The content cartridge as set forth in claim 13, wherein the intermediatewall includes a recessed channel extending at least partially betweenthe angled wall and the flange.
 15. The content cartridge as set forthin claim 14, where in the flange includes a pair of recesses positionedon opposite sides of the channel.
 16. A content cartridge comprising; abase including an content chamber and a piercing chamber, the contentchamber including a front portion, a rear portion, a bottom wall, and apair of opposing side walls, the front portion having an angled wall; aflange surrounding the content chamber and the piercing chamber; and acover sealed to the flange, covering the content chamber and thepiercing chamber.
 17. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 16,wherein the content chamber further include an intermediate wallinterposed between the angled wall and the flange.
 18. The contentcartridge as set forth in claim 17, wherein the intermediate wallincludes a recessed channel extend at least partially between the angledwall and the flange.
 19. The content cartridge as set forth in claim 18,where in the flange includes a pair of recesses positioned on oppositesides of the channel.
 20. The content cartridge as set forth in claim16, the flange including an intermediate space extending between thecontent chamber and the piercing chamber; and an outlet channelextending through the intermediate space, creating a fluid path betweenthe content chamber and the piercing chamber.